Do plants have cancer?

Mango cancer

Image - Flickr / B. Kuwana

We all know the damage that cancer causes in people and other animals. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of death, something that will remain unchanged unless more is invested in researching a vaccine that can cure it. But this is a topic that I would give for another blog, so we are going to ask if plants can suffer from it.

Surfing the Internet I have found an answer, which has really surprised me. If you want to know if plants have cancer or not, read on and I will reveal the mystery to you.

Can they get cancer?

Although there are many microorganisms that can do a lot of damage to plants, and even kill them, the bacteria known as Agrobacterium tumefaciens It is surely one of the ones that can attract our attention the most. This what it does is follow the trace of the substances that the plant releases through wounds (both of those that we see with the naked eye and of the micro-cuts).

Once inside it, it embeds itself in the intercellular spaces and begins to transfer a piece of their genetic material to cells. As a consequence, it is integrated into some area of ​​the genome and, do you know what happens next? That turns into cancer.

It is mortal?

Plant cancer, although it can be shocking, it is not as serious a disease as that which affects animals. In fact, genetic engineers study the Agrobacterium tumefaciens as it turns out to be very suitable for transmitting properties in a specific crop. For example, it could be possible to develop species that are resistant to pests and / or diseases.

Can it be prevented?

You can never prevent a disease 100%. However, knowing that it is a bacterium that enters the plants through wounds, it is necessary to avoid doing them. But if we have to prune them, we will do it using suitable tools and previously disinfected with pharmacy alcohol.

Cancer in tree

Image - nmsuplantclinic.blogspot.com

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